“Cows breath in, Oxygen”

Recently, Vasudev Devnani, the education minister of BJP ruling Rajasthan had uttered a statement on the day of Makar Sankaranti without any basis of science, i.e. cows not only inhale but also exhale Oxygen. He did not explain it further and left it as such.

The minister’s educational qualification is listed on the Rajasthan legislative assembly web portal as B.E. (Electrical). Incidentally, the Census 2011 Report says literacy level in Rajasthan is 66.11 per cent. As per the high school science, all living things inhale oxygen and exhale carbon di oxide. Only the green plant kingdom at the time of photosynthesis inhale carbon di oxide and exhale oxygen.

The statement made by the education minister is anti-science which is contrary to the proven fact. He said cow dung neutralises radio active element.

A UN Food and Agricultural Organisation study titled “Live stock’s Long Shadow. Environ mental Issues and Options” got released in 2006 says, to the contrary that live stock contribute more to the green house gases that cause global warming than cars.

“Iron, lead, concrete etc., is required for absorbing radioactive material, whereas cow dung contains light elements like carbon, nitrogen and phosphorus. I have not come across any such research in physical science,” said Sardar Singh, the former head of the physics department at Rajasthan University in Jaipur.

Further the minister explained the spiritual importance of cows, “merely going close to a cow will relieve you from cold and cough”. Listing the medical benefits of cow dung and urine, Devanani said cow dung contained vitamin B.

Article 51 A(h) of the Indian Constitution stipulates the fundamental duty of every citizen as follows.

“It shall be the duty of every citizen to develop scientific temper, humanism and spirit of enquiry and reform”

Can a minister who took oath of office to abide by the Indian Constitution break it without substantiating it? How has Hindutva influenced a Sangh Parivar minister who is looking after the education portfolio!